• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.265-274
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• 2021

The Purpose of this paper was to explore the effect of hearing impairment on HRQOL in Korean elders. We carry out a cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative data from the KNHANES, 2016-2018. The survey was conducted on 4,754 elders who responded to questions about hearing impairment. Quality of life was compared between hearing impaired elders and elders with no hearing impairment using the t-test and chi-square test, and factors related to quality of life were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression using SPSS version 22.0. There was significant difference in quality of life between hearing impaired elders and elders with no hearing impairment. Walking exercise were identified as factors related to quality of life in elders with hearing impairment, while marriage status, walking exercise and limited movement were found to be related to quality of life among elders with no hearing impairment. In order to improve the HRQOL of elders with hearing impairment, multidisciplinary efforts and development of educational programs are required.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.721-729
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• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the actual use of interdental care products (ICPs), such as dental floss (DF) and interdental brushes (IDB), among Korean youth, confirm their relevance to periodontal health, and determine the factors that influence the use of each product. Methods: This study included 15,912 young adults aged 19-39 years and data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2007-2018). The usage rate of ICPs according to the characteristics of the subjects for each cycle of KNHANES was presented. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the use of ICP. Results: The use rates of DF and IDB gradually increased until the 7th period, reaching 34.8% and 26.8%, respectively. The rate of using more than one ICP also showed a tendency to gradually increase from 25.2% in the 4th period to 50.0% in the 7th period. The use of interdental care products is related to gingivitis and periodontitis. Factors related to the use of ICP were gender, age, education level, frequency of brushing, and dental examination experience. Conclusions: The use of dental floss or interdental toothbrushes was related to periodontal health, but only half of the adults aged 19-39 years used ICP. Therefore, oral health experts should actively encourage the use of DF and IDB in young adults.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.237-243
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• 2022

Unmet healthcare is an important indicator to measure accessibility of healthcare services. To examine the latest status of unmet healthcare needs in South Korea, four different data which is composed of nationally representative sample of South Korean population were used; the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2007-2020), the Community Health Survey (CHS, 2008-2020), the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2011-2018), and the Korean Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2006-2020). The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs were 6.4% (KNHANES), 5.4% (CHS), and 12.2% (KHP). Annual percentage change (APC) which identifies trend for the follow-up period was -9.9%, -9.1%, and -5.5%, respectively. The proportion of individuals reporting unmet healthcare needs due to cost were 1.0% (KNHANES), 0.4% (CHS), 2.2% (KHP), and 0.4% (KOWEPS). The APC was -11.3%, -17.0%, -12.2%, and -21.2%, respectively. Overall, the low-income and the elderly population reported a higher rate of unmet health care needs. Although the overall experience rate of unmet medical care due to cost decreased over the past decade, the disparity between the lowest and highest income groups still remained in 2020. Disparity between income levels and age groups is a challenge to address in healthcare system, and these results suggest the need for adequate health coverage for the low-income and the elderly populations.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.404-413
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• 2023

Objectives: This study compared serum lipid concentration according to drinking habits. Methods: We analyzed data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII). The study included 8,525 adults (3,651 males and 4,874 females), aged 30 - 59 years. Results: There were differences in age, gender, education level, smoking status, physical activity, and waist circumference between drinkers and abstainers. The serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level of the drinkers was lower than those of the abstainers (P < 0.05). The serum triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were highest in the group that consumed alcohol 'more than twice a week' relative to the other groups (P < 0.001). The LDL-C and atherogenic index (AI) levels were lowest in the 'more than twice a week' drinking group compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). The serum TG and HDL-C concentrations were the highest in the '7 glasses/time' group (P < 0.001). The serum LDL-C concentration was the lowest in the '7 glasses/time' group (P < 0.001). Notably, the higher the frequency of binge drinking (7 glasses or more), the higher the concentration of TG (P < 0.001). The serum HDL-C concentration was significantly higher in the 'no binge' and 'more than once a week' groups compared to the other groups (P < 0.001). The serum LDL-C concentration and AI score were the lowest in the 'more than once a week' group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: As the quantity and frequency of drinking increased, the serum TC concentration increased. Moreover, an increase in the serum HDL-C concentration led to a decrease in AI. The factors exacerbating cardiovascular disease increased simultaneously due to drinking. Our results suggest that for individuals with hypertriglyceridemia and patients with low HDL-cholesterolemia, separate guidelines based on the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption are warranted.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between high-intensity physical activity (work) and beverage intake frequency among Koreans. The data used in this study were obtained from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) conducted in 2021. Statistical analyses, including χ²-test, and binary logistic regression, were conducted to examine group differences(p<0.05). It was found that 63.6% of the group consumed carbonated water once a week or less, and 68.6% consumed energy drinks once a week or less. These results indicated that carbonated water and energy drinks were more frequently consumed among individuals engaging in high-intensity physical activity(work), and that the majority of beverages were consumed once a week or less. Based on the findings of this study, it was hoped that the results can serve as a basis for the development of healthier alternative beverages to replace carbonated water and energy drinks during high-intensity physical activity(work). Additionally, it highlights the importance of exploring new approaches that promote health and the need for intervention programs aimed at improving health.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.192-200
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• 2022

The association between heavy metals in the blood and obesity has been examined in many studies. However, inconsistencies have been observed in the results from these studies. The present study was conducted using data from 119,181 participants of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) for 11 years in 2005 and between 2008 and 2017. The subjects with missing heavy metal blood tests, health interview data, and health examination data were excluded from the study. The study population comprised 1,844 individuals (972 men, 872 women) who were eligible for inclusion. It was found that obesity and abdominal obesity were associated with an increase in both blood mercury (P<0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.001). After adjusting the confounding factors, those with concurrent high levels of ALT and the highest tertile of mercury showed an increased risk of obesity (odds ratio 4.46, 95%, confidence interval 2.23~8.90, P<0.001) as well as abdominal obesity (odds ratio 5.36, 95%, confidence interval 2.57~11.17, P<0.001). The interrelationship of mercury and ALT with the parameters of body mass index (P for interaction=0.009) and waist circumference (P for interaction=0.012), respectively, have been observed to be significant, suggesting that the reciprocal relationship could contribute to obesity and abdominal obesity.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.931-939
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• 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of brushing before sleeping by comparing the use of oral care products, frequency of dental clinic visits, and oral conditions between individuals who brush and do not brush their teeth before sleeping using data from the 5th and 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 on data files obtained according to a complex sampling design, and a significance level of <0.05 was set. General characteristics of the participants and year were analyzed using chi-square analysis. Data on the oral conditions, use of oral care products, and frequency of dental clinic visits were analyzed using logistic regression and linear regression. Results: Individuals who brushed their teeth before sleeping showed greater use of oral care products and more frequent dental clinic visits, oral examinations, preventive treatment, and treatment for simple caries (p<0.05) than individuals who did not. Individuals who did not brush their teeth before sleeping showed higher prevalence of permanent teeth caries and periodontal disease, as well as chewing and speaking problems (p<0.05), than those who bushed before sleeping. Conclusions: Individuals who do not brush before sleeping exhibit poorer oral health and lower use of oral care products and frequency of recent dental treatment than those who brush before sleeping. Therefore, it is necessary to alter the government's active policy and improve education about the importance of brushing before sleeping to improve oral health.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.743-752
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• 2019

Objectives: Grip strength is a measure for assessing overall muscle strength, muscle mass, and nutritional status, and is a useful tool for early examination of a person's general health. Thus, this study analyzed the association between oral health-related factors and grip strength, using the 6th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data. Methods: Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Co., Armonk, NY, USA) software with a complex sampling analysis of stratified and clustered variables, all with weighted values, applied for every analysis conducted. From the 6th KNHANES data, a total of 26,101 people were selected as the study population. A complex sample generalized linear model analysis was performed for participants' sociodemographic characteristics, health status, use of oral care products, and factors such as adult mastication and speaking habits. Results: Grip strength was found to be higher among men compared to women. Grip strength was the highest in the 20-39 year old group. Furthermore, grip strength was statistically significantly higher among married and employed individuals, and in the right hand (p<0.001). Grip strength was statistically significantly higher among people who perceived themselves to have good health and among those who did not have health-related problems in the past two weeks (p<0.001). It was also higher among those who used interdental brushes and electronic toothbrushes (p<0.001), but decreased with greater discomfort in mastication and speaking among adults (p<0.05). Conclusions: Grip strength was found to be associated with oral health-related factors and therefore, these could be helpful tools in evaluating both general and subjective health statuses. In general, oral care products are small in size with oral care involving the use of hands and certain precise motions and actions to remove foreign substances in the oral cavity. As shown in the findings, grip strength declines with increased age and as a result, the use of oral care products should be strongly recommended in order to promote better general health.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.731-742
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• 2019

Objectives: To analyze the association between sleep duration and the number of remaining teeth in people aged 65 years or older in order to provide basic data for improving sleep quality and developing oral health programs for teeth maintenance. Methods: The raw data for the analysis were obtained from the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) dataset, conducted between 2013 and 2015. The 4,340 subjects included in the study underwent oral examinations and then proceeded to answer related questions. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (ver 23.0) program via composite samples, with the calculations for mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, and logistic return analysis being performed. Results: An analysis of the effect of sleep duration on the number of remaining teeth among people aged >65 years old showed that if the confounding variables were not corrected for, the risk of having less than 9 hours of sleep was 1.40 times higher (95% CI: 1.06-1.86). However, this was not statistically significant in models that corrected for gender, age, and other confounding variables (p>0.05). Conclusions: The association between sleep duration among the elderly with their number of remaining teeth was confirmed. Therefore, measures to improve sleep quality and oral care practices to maintain the remaining teeth in people over 65 years old should be developed.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.480-491
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• 2022

Objectives: This study examined the problems encountered when analyzing the market size, purchase, and consumption of HMR (home meal replacements) in the Republic of Korea. Methods: The macro data relevant to the market size and purchase status of HMR were critically summarized. The micro data retrieved from the 2019 & 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were analyzed to understand the consumption of HMR. Results: The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation and the Ministry of Food and Drug Administration reported the market size of HMR, whereas the Korean Rural Economic Institute and the Rural Development Administration reported the purchase expense and frequencies of HMR. Since the values on the market size and purchase status were calculated or surveyed using different scopes of HMR, there have been reliability issues for the data presented. Additionally, lack of consensus on the use of Korean terms corresponding to HMR was found to be a problem. To examine the consumption of HMR, analysis of the food intake data from KNHANES presented results with very low validity due to the inappropriate survey and coding scheme not reflecting the inclusion of new food types. Conclusions: Several problematic discrepancies were encountered in the statistics on HMR. The fundamental cause of these problems was the absence of agreement on the scope of HMR and the Korean terms corresponding to it. Considering the increasing importance of HMR in Korean diets, urgent cooperative efforts are required between the government and academia to derive an agreed Korean term and establish the scope of HMR.